When I got a job at a tattoo shop, I promised myself I’d wait 6 months before getting any large tattoos, to make sure they were well-thought out and not based on the excitement of a new adventure. It’s been almost a year now. The one tattoo I’ve thought and thought about, since before I had any tattoos at all, was a lion. C.S. Lewis is my favorite author, Narnia is my favorite series, and Aslan is my comfort when I’m feeling off. Having a lion on my body was something that I wanted as a reminder of hope, and protection, and love, and frisky behavior.
Problem was, I always felt like traditional style lions were too cartoon-y… not fierce enough to portray that feeling of protection. (aka I’ll rip your arms off your body if you hurt her) and realistic ones seemed too stoic. Not down to tumble around and be cuddly and loving when the time came. So I never got one.
A few months ago, I was at work and one of our artists came in carrying a sheet of flash he just completed. On it were these spotted, full of energy creatures that I just fell in love with. I asked Small Paul what they were. He says, “Oh, these? Shishis! Chinese Guardian Lions.” Immediately, I knew what I wanted.
Done by Small Paul at the Original True Tattoo in Hollywood, CA. Great artist, great shop.